The Whig-Standard
Published on: September 15, 2020
KINGSTON- Kingstonians are being asked to spread some love by nominating a person or an organization for an award for helping make Kingston more accessible for all residents.
The city and the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Celebrating Accessibility Awards online at http://www.CityofKingston.ca/AccessAwards.
“The Celebrating Accessibility Awards recognize how Kingston’s residents, businesses and organizations go above and beyond to remove barriers, foster inclusivity and increase engagement for those with disabilities,” Janet Jaynes, deputy city clerk, said Tuesday in a news release. “The positive impacts of an accessible Kingston benefit everyone in our community.”
Established in 2011, the Celebrating Accessibility Awards look to “recognize members of our community who help to make Kingston more accessible for everyone.”
Awards, which have been modified for the 2020 awards, will be given out in the following three categories: to a business, to a community member and to a community organization.
The eight award fields in which people/businesses/groups can be nominated are:
- Built Environment: A building, interior, or outdoor space purposely designed, modified or renovated to eliminate barriers and/or enhance access for people with disabilities.
- Customer Service: Breaking down barriers that prevent customers with disabilities from accessing the services they need. Barriers include physical/architectural, technological, informatin or communication, organizational and attitudinal.
- Design of Public Spaces: Making communal spaces, such as trails, beaches, rest stops, outdoor play spaces, accessible parking or outdoor paths of travel more accessible.
- Education: Identifying and removing barriers to student participation in learning at all levels, from kindergarten to post-secondary and adult education.
- Employment: Employers making their workplace practices accessible to potential or current workers with disabilities.
- Health Care: Making the health-care system more accessible to patients with disabilities as well as any patients’ support people.
- Information and Communication: Creating, providing and receiving information and communications that people with disabilities can access. Accessible information and communication provide all people an equal chance to learn and be active in their communities.
- Transportation: Making the features and equipment on transportation services, including routes and vehicles, accessible to passengers with disabilities.
The deadline for all nominations is by 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23.
Find nomination forms and more information at http://www.CityofKingston.ca/AccessAwards.
Original at https://www.thewhig.com/news/local-news/2020-celebrating-accessibility-awards-looking-for-nominations